Borealis promotes innovation in Italy's utilities sector
Feb 17, 2006
The importance of reliable infrastructure in the supply and distribution of essential goods such as water and gas took centre stage at a workshop for the Italian pipe industry organised by Borealis in Genoa, Italy on February 3, 2006. In many European countries water loss due to leakage in the distribution network remains a significant problem.
Borealis brought together the major players in the Italian pipe chain, including local, regional and national authorities, pipe and pipe machinery manufacturers, converters, test institutes and infrastructure owners, to examine the key issues facing water and gas supply and define proposals to guarantee a qualitative utilities infrastructure.
According to Cino Serrao, Borealis Market Development & Public Affairs Southern Europe: "Co-operation between all the parties involved in the pipe chain for gas and water distribution infrastructure remains the most important way to ensure quality and innovation. The need for improvement is clear and at Borealis we place great emphasis on delivering value to our customers through marketing products and technologies that can help social progress, economic development and environmental protection."
Uplifting the networks' value in terms of installation, longevity, durability and conservation of the water and gas supply is a top priority. Whilst Italy is privatising its utilities sector, there is a clear need for rules to guarantee a minimum standard of quality. In certain Italian regions a loss of some 40 percent of drinking water through leaks and cracks in the water distribution pipeline can be noted, while 50% of the population of Mediterranean countries may face water shortages within the next 20 years, according to a report of the European Environment Agency. "In Italy, it is estimated that a significant 50 billion Euros are required for improving the water system and 4 billion Euros for gas." added Professor Alessandro Marangoni at the workshop.
Ways in which to guarantee the right investment and to ensure raw material producers and all parties in the pipe chain can provide the continuous quality and innovation required were the top-line discussion points at the workshop.
A summary of proposals was developed by the workshop teams.
- Installation: the need for training and certification, independent quality control, a technical specification guide for installing plastic pipes, a directory of approved companies, a working guide for the selection of trenchless technologies, and installation and management contracts were among the areas identified as important to upgrading network quality.
- Technological developments in pipeline materials: the use of plastics-based pipelines and the setting of supplier and product frameworks and specifications, certification and verification of suitable plastic materials, cost-effective pricing and controlled production plans for converters, were put forward to address quality and reliability issues.
Investment and project financing of private and public entities: the financial compensation by public administration for private investment in quality improvements to the infrastructure and the introduction of insurance bonds to guarantee normal and extraordinary maintenance, were highlighted as key considerations.
Following this initiative, Borealis and the Italian pipe chain have set up a working group to develop a road map for actions and specific projects in the coming months and intend to present further practical recommendations in a water and gas supply white paper for authorities.
Borealis has more than 40 years experience in providing advanced polyolefin solutions for the manufacturing of pipe and fittings systems. With foresight throughout the value chain and a focus on customer needs, Borealis continues to provide innovative, value creating polypropylene and polyethylene solutions for the pipe industry.
Contact:
Borealis A/S
Liesbeth Denys
Trade Media Relations Manager
Tel.: +32 15 47 90 24
E-Mail:liesbeth.denys@borealisgroup.com
Internet:http://www.borealisgroup.com
More News and Articles
Nov 29, 2023
News
Shedding light on evaporation
Researchers at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) have made a groundbreaking discovery that could change our understanding of evaporation, a ubiquitous process in our environment. They found that under certain conditions, light can directly cause evaporation without the need for …
Nov 27, 2023
News
NEW UNITRACC Construction Site Documentation: "Rehabilitation of a DN 400 Concrete Gravity Sewer with a SAERTEX-LINER® MULTI over a Length of 69 m" (CIPP)
New construction site documentation in the renovation section of the e-learning platform: Rehabilitation of a DN 400 concrete gravity sewer with CIPP lining using SAERTEX-LINER® MULTI, type S+ Standard. The objective of this rehabilitation measure was to enhance the structural …
Nov 24, 2023
News
Tracto grundoram supports sewer replacement at coastal town
Budleigh Salterton is a popular and picturesque seaside town situated within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Located at the start of the stunning Jurassic Coast; a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its outstanding rocks, fossils and …
Nov 22, 2023
News
Interflow’s sustainability strategy
Having been in business for 86 years, Interflow has proven it knows a thing or two about longevity. Right now, that requires an all-encompassing sustainability strategy, as Richard McCarthy, Interflow’s executive general manager southern region, explained.
Nov 20, 2023
News
Mastering public sector challenges together
An interview with Managing Director Robert Ristow
Nov 17, 2023
News
Tractebel and Aurecon forge strategic partnership to revolutionize dam projects in Queensland, Australia
Tractebel and Aurecon form a strategic alliance to revolutionize dam projects in Queensland, Australia, combining their global expertise and local knowledge to meet the rising demand for dam upgrades.
Nov 15, 2023
News
HDD to help Monarto pipeline project
SA Water will use horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to assist in installing a section of pipe underneath the Melbourne to Adelaide rail corridor.
Nov 13, 2023
News
Neom’s sustainable water solutions with renewable desalination
Saudi Arabia’s visionary city, Neom, is leading the way in sustainable water solutions with the construction of a desalination plant powered entirely by renewable energy.
Nov 10, 2023
News
Adept delivers on Geelong infrastructure project
Adept Civil Group has successfully delivered on a sewer reticulation extension project at the Charlemont Rise estate.
Nov 09, 2023
News
NEW LAUNCH: UNITRACC Module "Details on the Installation of Lining with UV Cured-in-Place Pipes" (Renovation: CIPP)
Introducing the new e-learning module for the course "Renovation: Lining with Cured-In-Place Pipes"! This module focuses on the installation of UV CIPP using the high-quality SAERTEX-LINER® specifically designed for gravity pipes and sewers - with contributions by renowned manufacturer SAERTEX …
Nov 08, 2023
Article
Future perspectives - Give water somewhere else to go
Extreme rainfall, flooded streets, destroyed houses and infrastructure, people fighting for their lives amidst the floods. 2021 was also marked by such tragic events. It´s time to ask how flood disasters happen, and what can be done about them.